Navy Pier - Chicago, IL

Just because a boardwalk isn’t located on the ocean, doesn’t mean it can’t have a place on this list. The Navy Pier in Chicago runs along Lake Michigan, and stretches for 3,300 feet. You want fireworks? You’ve come to the right place. The Navy Pier puts on a summer fireworks show every Wednesday and Saturday night starting on Memorial Day weekend. It’s also home to Pier Park, which has a 150-foot-high Ferris wheel, a carousel, an old-fashioned swing ride, an 18-hole miniature golf course and other fun attractions. If you’d rather take in a show, you can head to the 1,500-seat open-air Skyline Stage, which is located right on the lakefront, and don’t forget to stop by the Churro Factory booth to get yourself a nice chocolate-covered churro for dessert.